Shop staff are being asked to think back in case they hold clues to a terrifying security van raid.

They have been asked by police to cast their minds back to last week and remember any suspicious activity outside Barclays Bank on Ellison Street, Jarrow.

Securicor staff were ambushed at 3.30am last Friday as they filled its cash machine with thousands of pounds. Two masked men threatened the guards and demanded they hand over the money destined for the machine.

The men escaped with a "substantial" amount of cash and the bank's head office has offered a reward of up to £15,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Police have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area since yesterday morning, piecing together as much information as possible about the raid.

A team of officers at South Shields police station are taking calls from members of the public who may have information about the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (0191) 454 7555 ext 65144.